Obituary of Murray Wheaton

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Murray Gordon Wheaton announce his passing on August 10, 2025, with his family by his side, at the age of 75.

Born in Sussex, New Brunswick on January 18, 1950 , Murray was the son of the late Clarence and Myrtle (Simpson) Wheaton.

He grew up in Newtown, where school took a back seat to adventure until Grade 7, when his mother gave him the choice to stay in class or find a job—he found work by the end of the day and never looked back.

Fondly known as “Poopie” or “Moe,” Murray was a hard worker, a jack of all trades, and a master of none—though his family would argue he mastered many.

In his younger years, he was a spirited troublemaker, even once playing with the switches on the train tracks and knocking a train off the rails. Over the years, he held many jobs, including farm work, Canada Packers, truck driving (delivering chickens), taxi driving, working in the woods, the Irving Sawmill, and alongside Floyd Rouse until his hand injury. This was the time the carpenter in him took over. He worked on many projects alone and along side his son.

Family was very important to him, and he never travelled far from them. He only left the province twice—once to work in Ontario for a few weeks, and once to visit Newfoundland with friends.

Murray was known for his generosity—always willing to help anyone, from fixing a broken step to switching the batteries around. He taught his grandchildren to ride their bikes, loved to tease (especially his nurses), and had a knack for making people jump. He was a talented carpenter, a reliable chauffeur, and could fix nearly anything. Stubborn to the end, he smoked like a chimney right up until his last day. Above all, Murray was a devoted dad, grandfather, brother, and uncle who always came running when his family needed him.

Murray will live on in the hearts of his son, Gordie Wheaton (Sandra); his daughter, Patty-Joe (P-Jaye" Wheaton; his brother, Roy Wheaton (Carol) of Sussex; his sisters: Phyllis Virtue (Ray) of Plumweseep, Mary Wheaton of Sussex and Grace Wheaton of Sussex; his sister-in-law, Judy Wheaton;  his grandchildren Kiersten Goulette, Austin Goulette, Jasmine Wright (Jamie), and Devin Goulette-Carter; and his great-grandchildren Patience, Charley, Harmony, Octavia, Alexander, and Nixon. He will also be remembered by several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his partner Mabel McDonald and his brother Ross Wheaton.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, NB (506-433-1176). Visitation will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, from 1–3 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. A celebration of Murray’s life will take place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at 11 am. from Wallace Community Chapel.

If desired, donations in Murray’s memory may be made to the Living Memorial. Personal condolences and donations may be made through www.wallacefuneralhome.com.